Getting Started To Exercise

by Lilly
(United Kingdom)

I have been varying in weight from 8.2 to 9 stone over a four year period with a 5'2 frame. I'm typically pear shaped and have found that whilst my actual waist is still very slim, I have obtained weight around my thighs, arms, hips and a small amount on my stomach and face. I have - like yourself - tried many things and have been active often but in a short space of time, I have fallen off the wagon. Recently I started toning and cardio which I enjoyed, but I feel as though I need a more solid - yet enjoyable - routine. Would you recommend starting with your routine?

My Answer

To start again and bounce back to exercise would always be a "pain". Smile.

I'm going to give you a very simple one that's a breeze to follow.

1. Do cardio exercise 3-4 times per week for 30 minutes per session, to kick start your metabolism to higher levels which can help to blast away the excess fat from your entire body, so you lose the fat and the weight.

One useful hint: choose cardio exercise you love and enjoy doing. That way, you'll not encounter boredom and dread while exercising.

Instead, you'll enjoy doing it and stay put long in the program to see results.

2. Do strength training on all your major muscle groups but pay more attention to your arms, thighs, hips and tummy (well, the usual spots for fat accumulation, anyway!)

I think you know I have a page dedicated to this type of strength training, right? Here, this is the page .

Like cardio, do 3-4 times per week for 20 minutes per session.

3. Throw in a stretching routine of 10 minutes per session, 2-3 times per week, to increase your body's flexibility and to prevent injury.

4. Eat sensibly and smartly, meaning cut down on carbs, fats, sugary drinks and stuff and fried, oily foods. You still eat them but in reduced portions. The cuttings really make a tremendous difference in your weight.

Always start at the level you're comfortable with; not what others say about what you should or shouldn't do!

Ditto for my suggestion above. You can always improvise and improve on it to suit your needs.

The question of "enjoyable" boils down to, like I said, the first cut, you must like the exercise you're doing.

Second, may be you could work in the "power" factors, to keep you interested.

Power in terms of variety; changes; intensity; format (exercise with or without music; with friends/partners; go to gym; sign up a personal trainer......)and duration.

Mix and match all these "power" factors in creative ways and I guarantee you - you'll not experience any bored moments.

Try and see.